Technical plans for the venue can be downloaded from this site
Theatre Antidote is a uniquely child-centred building, in the centre of Larnaca, within easy reach of the public.
In the past, Antidote has played to host to a wide range of private events, performances and functions: from school performances and award ceremonies, to community group meetings and local arts performances. The theatre is often hired by commercial organisations looking for a comfortable, family-friendly and accessible venue.
There are a number of spaces available for hire including:
The charge for hiring a space includes a number of staff on hand, including a theatre manager, front of house attendants and technical staff if required.
Antidote offers preferential hire rates for not-for-profit organisations, and community groups based in Larnaca.
For availability enquiries or to make a booking, please contact Maria Andreou, Theatre Manager on 0035724822677 or email info@theatreantidote.com
Technical plans for the venue can be downloaded from this site
In July 2003 Catherine and Xenakis were able to buy a house near St Lazarus Church, which for a year was used for children's workshops and for some of the performances. It could only be a temporary measure, however, as we couldn't possibly seat more than about 80 people, and new European regulations meant that we would have to re-fit all our doors and follow complex safety requirements. Besides, the classes were getting too big. A new venue became a necessity, but where to go?
In the Spring of 2004 we explored empty warehouses, and came up with exciting ideas for converting them to custom-made youth and children's theatres which could almost have rivalled those in London. But were they practical? Sadly, no. One by one we put aside the ideas, realising we would never be able to do all the necessary work to get a working theatre by the Autumn.
Eventually we took a look at the Othellos cinema in Ayia Elenis Street, which has been empty for some time. This had two cinemas, and a fair amount of corridor space as well as a café area and a car park. Converting this to a theatre was still quite an undertaking, but not impossible. There were bathrooms and a kitchen already in place, so we didn't need to worry about plumbing. Fire doors were already in existence, comfortable seats were already in place. Of course there were no stage lights, indeed no stage as such, so we knew we would have to build a stage and instal some kind of sound and lighting system... but it was a possibility.
That possibility grew to reality as we discussed terms with the owner, looked at the necessary costs for the initial conversion, and invited Catherine's father Joe to come and build the stage for us! It's still a huge undertaking. At the time of writing, mid-September 2004, there is still a long way to go. But the stage is finished, the scaffolding for the lighting has been installed, there is a sound and lighting area, and we have started classes again for the year. We hope to be hosting school productions in the small theatre, eventually, as well as using the large one for weekend shows for the general public. Eventually we hope to turn this venue into a children's arts centre with a café, art exhibitions, and other classes and workshops through the year.
We also hope that other groups will want to rent one or both of our theatres for performances such as school shows, concerts, or even business presentations. Of course we are using the theatre ourselves for much of the time, but please do get in touch if you would like to find out when the venue is available.